Bat Out Of Hell is an absolute classic and while few would dismiss its importance to the history of recorded music, most of us would agree that it’s a landmark album. It's a shame, however, that the sonic quality has never really lived up to the hype, but more on that later.
Released in 1977, Bat Out Of Hell, produced by Todd Rundgren and penned by Jim Steinman, has left an indelible mark on music history with its bombastic melodies, theatrical storytelling, and Meat Loaf's unmatched powerhouse vocals. It really is the complete package and there isn’t a bad track to be heard on the album. Certainly, some songs may appeal more to you than others, I know that is the case for me, but when you combine them in the chosen sequencing, Bat Out Of Hell becomes more than just a collection of songs for it is an album experience first and foremost.
Aside from the music, the album artwork is also legendary and yearns to be seen on the larger vinyl canvas. Unfortunately, despite trying various editions, I’ve yet to find a vinyl copy that is mastered exceedingly well. Truth be told, there probably isn’t one definitive edition as Bat Out Of Hell has never been an album that will please audiophiles. Its recording is somewhat raw, thereby limiting the quality of the output, but in a strange dichotomy, that aspect adds to the appeal of the album.
The problem that exists when recordings lack a little spit and polish from the production stage is that by the time it has been mastered, or additionally remastered, and then delivered to the music-loving consumer, the magic of the album tends to be severely reduced. In other words, you’ll hear the songs but there are moments whereby Bat Out Of Hell is sonically closer to muzak than music. Yes, dear reader, it can be that bad and while highly touted editions exist, it’s a case of once bitten twice shy. Plus, and this will drive vinyl purists insane, I thoroughly enjoy the Hi-Res Lossless stream, an Apple Digital Master, from Apple Music.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that the Apple Music stream offers the definitive edition of this classic release, but I find that it is the least offensive with a smoother top end and a little fuller sound in the mids. The low end of the audio spectrum is still lacking on the Apple Music stream, unfortunately, but if we consider that to be part of the album’s style, I can live with that.
Of course, the stereo mix isn’t the only option available on Apple Music for the album is also presented in Dolby Audio. You’ll notice that I didn’t say Dolby Atmos and that is because Apple Music also delivers the legacy SACD and DVD-Audio surround sound mixes; if the record label delivers it to them. In this case, I believe it is taken from the 2001 surround mix counterpart, sans the two bonus tracks, but the lack of complete liner notes means that this is pure conjecture on my part. Despite that, the sonic presentation of the surround mix is fuller and more spacious than the stereo counterpart. I almost want to say that I prefer it, but some elements leave me a little unsure and displeased. The low end is a little muddier, by comparison, and after listening to the stereo mix for decades, the shift to a multi-channel mix can take a little getting used to. As always, our musical perspectives are subjective and there are numerous mixed opinions relating to the 5.1 surround mix on QuadraphonicQuad. My advice would be to find the version you’re happy with and stick with it. For me, it is the Hi-Res Lossless stereo mix from Apple Music.
Bat Out Of Hell is a sprawling rock opera that sets the tone for the entire album. Meat Loaf's passionate vocals combined with Steinman's poetic lyrics make this an unforgettable anthem.
You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) has the classic Steinman spoken intro that works well with the song, but I find the musicality of this track to be a little campy and rather dated. That doesn’t mean I don’t like it, anything but, it’s just an aspect such as this that would likely deter modern listeners who have yet to fully grasp the musical impact Meat Loaf had throughout his career. Regardless, this nostalgic ballad is infused with both rock and pop sensibilities and before it’s over, you’ll likely find yourself singing along to a song that very easily could have come out of the ABBA camp.
Heaven Can Wait is a beautiful heartfelt ballad that will leave a lasting impression for it’s, arguably, Meat Loaf’s greatest recording.
All Revved Up With No Place To Go kicks the album back into high gear with this high-octane track. My only frustration is I feel it’s a little too jazzy. That, however, doesn’t prevent me from belting out every chorus and verse.
Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad is one of Meat Loaf’s most iconic songs. While Meat Loaf is often remembered for his rock and roll numbers, ballads like this, and Heaven Can Wait, are the trademark tunes that showcased just how extraordinary his skill was as a vocalist.
Paradise By The Dashboard Light needs no introduction for it’s one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded for few rock operas are as addictively good as Paradise By The Dashboard Light. With a narrative featuring young love and lust, weaving in humour, drama, and intense musical interludes, the multi-faceted structure of the song keeps you engaged from the very first note to the last. Incredible!
For Crying Out Loud is the perfect bookend to an incredible album, for this sweeping power ballad encapsulates the grandeur that only Meat Loaf was capable of delivering. The result is yet another reason to put the album on repeat for it is a rare occasion when I listen to this masterpiece only once.
Bat Out Of Hell is one of the greatest albums ever recorded; even if not from a sonic standpoint. While Meat Loaf gets most of the credit, Jim Steinman needs to be remembered as the silent but extremely talented writer that was as important to Meat Loaf’s success as Bernie Taupin was to Elton John. Yes, both Meat Loaf and Elton John have worked with other songwriters, but their greatest and most creative achievements can about when they worked together. The result is a well-crafted timeless masterpiece.